If pasta is your favorite, then pasta and macaroni salads are a must at every summer cookout. While the names are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two. Macaroni salad features elbow pasta and has a creamy, mayo-based dressing. Pasta salad can use any type of pasta, can have a creamy or vinaigrette dressing, and get’s creative with add-ins. And both are delicious. These pasta salad and macaroni salad recipes will be a satisfying side dish at your next cookout.
Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
“This recipe comes close to a macaroni salad that is served at a Hawaiian restaurant close by.” – Melissa
Chicken Pasta Salad
“I buy chicken from the grocery store deli and a large container of macaroni salad and always have some leftover. This recipe is what I do with it.” – Bobbie
Bacon and Tomato Pasta Salad
“Perfect side dish for a hot summer night. It comes together quickly and is not too heavy! I’m serving it alongside grilled BBQ pork chops.” – Marianne
Quick Summer Tortellini Salad
“This is a quick, delicious summer salad. Perfect for picnics, no need to refrigerate. A little sweet, and a little tart with a touch of fresh basil for a punch of flavor. Choose the tortellini and smoked sausage you like the most. Chop, chop, chop and you’re done!” – Deb
Pasta Slaw
“We came up with this recipe after eating pasta slaw at Nordy’s BBQ. Neither my husband nor the kids would really eat coleslaw until we tried this recipe. Now, it’s a family favorite that we make regularly. My father will ask for a little of the dressing to put on his hamburger. He says it tastes like a Frisko Freeze hamburger.” – Shelene
Garden Pasta Salad
“Just another one of my concoctions. I came up with this salad when looking in the crisper drawer and seeing all of the fresh vegetables that I had to use up.” – Laura
Basic Cheddar Macaroni Salad
“My husband is a picky eater and complained that no one ever made a pasta salad that isn’t loaded with onions and other veggies, so I came up with this basic and easy macaroni salad just for him. It is now one of the few pasta salads he will eat. For a bit more added flavor and veggies, add some grape or chopped tomato, green onion, and maybe a bit of sweet pickle. Be creative and make it with your own family’s favorite flavors.” – Tracy
Caprese Pasta Salad
“America’s fascination with pasta salads has taken us a long way from the original macaroni salad. In the last few decades, pasta salads have become colorful and fresh, relying on vinaigrettes and an array of seasonal vegetables, cheeses, meats, poultry, and seafood to help them sparkle. Pasta salads without mayonnaise are especially nice because they don’t need the refrigeration that mayonnaise-based salads do.” – Marsha
Zesty Pasta Salad Supreme
“This Zesty Pasta Salad Supreme is one of my all-time favorite salads. Seriously, I will usually hide the leftovers in the fridge so I can nibble on them for a few days all by myself.” – Debbie
Deli Mac Salad
“This is a family recipe from my husband’s family. They owned a deli in New Jersey many years ago and this is the mac salad they made. Yum! It’s always a hit.” – Helene
Southern Antipasto Salad
“This is the way my mom taught us to cook. Start out with a great recipe and make it better.” – Barbara
Ro’s Macaroni and Smoked Ham Salad
“I made this pasta salad as a side dish for a function at our local bar, and everyone fell in love with it. Now I make a big bowl, set it on the bar, and walk away. I watch everyone go for it and watch the smiles on their face as they eat it. And believe me, there is never none left when we leave.” – Rogina
Italian Pasta Salad
“I just love this recipe. A hit at BBQ’s on a hot summer day.” – Laura
Asian Vegetable Pasta Salad
“This is a variation of a recipe I created years ago that gave me an opportunity to participate in a cook off for Cooking Light magazine. I didn’t win, but the recipe is still a winner in my book. Plus, it’s easy, with familiar ingredients, and even the pickiest eaters like it. I sometimes serve this as a side with grilled meat, but also love to stuff lettuce leaves with this salad and enjoy it as a roll-up appetizer.” – Linda
Cheese Tortellini Pesto Pasta Salad
“This is my favorite way to make (and eat!) pasta salad in the whole world. I have been making it for years and always get asked for my recipe. Great for parties and picnics, too. This salad is best at room temp or even slightly warm.” – Kelly
Macaroni Dill Salad
“A different macaroni salad and a favorite of our family. Adults usually like it more than kids because of the olives.” – Judy
Reuben Pasta Salad
“A tasty pasta salad with all of the flavours of reuben sandwiches!” – Kevin